What car would you buy if you had a budget of £25-35k?
Discussion
If you had a budget of 25-35k and were in the market for a 2nd hand motor what would you go for?
Main requirements would be great handling and performance and back seats and a boot big enough for a push-chair, camping gear too when needed. Roof racks always help in regards to camping gear...
Considerations would include depreciation and MPG. Don't want tio lose too much on either.
I am leaning towards the M3; but wanted to see if I am missing any options.
;-)
Main requirements would be great handling and performance and back seats and a boot big enough for a push-chair, camping gear too when needed. Roof racks always help in regards to camping gear...
Considerations would include depreciation and MPG. Don't want tio lose too much on either.
I am leaning towards the M3; but wanted to see if I am missing any options.
;-)
Edited by Lostprophet on Monday 17th May 12:08
ammw said:
Lostprophet said:
Main requirements would be great handling and performance ...
I wouldn't be asking in the Audi/VW/Seat&Skoda forum for a start 
Maybe a 335i Touring?
I am quite keen to stay away from the estate car look; I like my soft-tops and coupes. Would consider a 4*4 but I reckon the performance wont be there for the budget.
Lostprophet said:
worsy said:
RS4
Was considered; DRC issues are a real put off. Tested the RS4 Cab; Lovely motor! anyone a fan of the s5?
Shame.
Simon Bags said:
Lostprophet said:
worsy said:
RS4
Was considered; DRC issues are a real put off. Tested the RS4 Cab; Lovely motor! anyone a fan of the s5?
Shame.
I have been on the M3 forum and the M3 does seem like a really good option for me; esp when the DCT M3 comes down to the £35k mark.
I did like the RS4 cab.. still do...
Depreciation and MPG are important; dont want anything that drops below 15mpg on a cruise. Its when when I rag it though... lol.
I wonder how the M3 prices will fair. If I manage to pick up a M3, then i would expect to lose 5k per year on a 35k M3, considering I do approx 6-7k miles a year? is 5k too much of an estimate?
Great Pretender said:
worsy said:
RS4
One of the most disappointing cars I've ever driven. Swmbo's TT is more involving to drive.Having said that, if you need a fast practical car, it makes sense, but then I'd err towards the M3.
Great Pretender said:
worsy said:
RS4
One of the most disappointing cars I've ever driven. Swmbo's TT is more involving to drive.Having said that, if you need a fast practical car, it makes sense, but then I'd err towards the M3.
The RS4 was a great car when it came out and definatley challenged the M3 in every way. Now they have done a few miles they have started to show some serious niggles. DRC failings - check, Gearbox issues - check, Lack of power (averaging 330 - 380 bhp instead of 400+) caused by dirty inlet - check, Issues with cracks appearing in the metal work - check . All in, its becoming a bit of a can of worms which will take time to investigate and cure.
Being biased toward Audi, and the RS6 then may i suggest the following?
For the money you have available, you could move into the 'collectors' market and bag a future classic. Just take a look at the C5 RS6 Plus. Only 70 registered in the UK and holding their price at £25k+ compared to the standard (standard? - lol) RS6 which goes for anything between £13k and £20k dependant on mileage and condition. Yes they have the DRC issues too and gearboxes are a worry, but thats a risk with all performance cars.
Good thing in the case of the RS6 is that its been worked through and is easily (but not cheaply im affraid) sorted. The DRC issue is well known on the RS6 and is easily fixed with the fitment of coilovers. For £1500 - £2k you can fix the DRC problem permanently (personally i'd find a car with the coilovers already fitted). Find a car with a warranty and the gearbox worry wont cause you any sleepless nights either. Other than that there arent too many other major niggles. Servicing isnt that cheap, but its crucial that you get it done properly. Invest in VAGCOM for your laptop and you can do some preventative maintenance and diagnostics to help keep your car running 100%. On the plus side: Boot space is massive and theres more than enough room for 5 large adults (RS4 barely seats 3 older kids in the back). The quality of the interior is excellent and the Plus will come with every extra under the sun.
The engine is sound so long as its serviced by a good garage and at the right intervals. Audi main dealers are ok, but the service you get depends on the dealer you go to (if it were me i'd avoid main dealers with anything RS or R8, but thats my opinion). The UK has 3 main independant RS specialists; Unit 20, MRC and QST, so if you dont fancy the stealership lottery then you wont go wrong as far as servicing goes and the labour rates are half of what Audi will charge. 90% of RS6 owners use either Unit 20 or MRC. Power stated is exactly what you get thanks to good design and clean running. The Plus will give you 480bhp (30bhp more than the regular RS6), plenty enough for anyone. Fuel economy is as expected with a 2 tonne, 4.2ltr twin turbo 'barge'. I average 21mpg around the locality (mixture of town and cruising). Ive averaged 31.8mpg from Poole to Glasgow @ 70mph, and in town you will see around 11 - 15mpg.
Ive driven plenty of performance family cars and to be honest, my RS6 has ticked more boxes and tickled more of my fancy than any other i have driven. The BMW M5 is great (thought i'd say it before someone else jumps on me) and is a car to be reckoned with if you are in the market for a big family rocket. One thing that sold the RS over the M5 was the grip. The RS6 has grip in buckets and you'll struggle to trouble it in all but the toughest situations. I drove mine all round scotland at Xmas, in 6 inches+ of snow and it never missed a beat. The quattro system kept me straight and true, and even on low profile, super wide tyres the braking was far superior to the other cars on the road. I lost count of how many rear drive BM's i saw stranded on the hard shoulder or spun off at roundabouts. The M5 is very much in that league, and is very easy to put out of shape in the wet. Like i said, food for thought.
Eddie
Being biased toward Audi, and the RS6 then may i suggest the following?
For the money you have available, you could move into the 'collectors' market and bag a future classic. Just take a look at the C5 RS6 Plus. Only 70 registered in the UK and holding their price at £25k+ compared to the standard (standard? - lol) RS6 which goes for anything between £13k and £20k dependant on mileage and condition. Yes they have the DRC issues too and gearboxes are a worry, but thats a risk with all performance cars.
Good thing in the case of the RS6 is that its been worked through and is easily (but not cheaply im affraid) sorted. The DRC issue is well known on the RS6 and is easily fixed with the fitment of coilovers. For £1500 - £2k you can fix the DRC problem permanently (personally i'd find a car with the coilovers already fitted). Find a car with a warranty and the gearbox worry wont cause you any sleepless nights either. Other than that there arent too many other major niggles. Servicing isnt that cheap, but its crucial that you get it done properly. Invest in VAGCOM for your laptop and you can do some preventative maintenance and diagnostics to help keep your car running 100%. On the plus side: Boot space is massive and theres more than enough room for 5 large adults (RS4 barely seats 3 older kids in the back). The quality of the interior is excellent and the Plus will come with every extra under the sun.
The engine is sound so long as its serviced by a good garage and at the right intervals. Audi main dealers are ok, but the service you get depends on the dealer you go to (if it were me i'd avoid main dealers with anything RS or R8, but thats my opinion). The UK has 3 main independant RS specialists; Unit 20, MRC and QST, so if you dont fancy the stealership lottery then you wont go wrong as far as servicing goes and the labour rates are half of what Audi will charge. 90% of RS6 owners use either Unit 20 or MRC. Power stated is exactly what you get thanks to good design and clean running. The Plus will give you 480bhp (30bhp more than the regular RS6), plenty enough for anyone. Fuel economy is as expected with a 2 tonne, 4.2ltr twin turbo 'barge'. I average 21mpg around the locality (mixture of town and cruising). Ive averaged 31.8mpg from Poole to Glasgow @ 70mph, and in town you will see around 11 - 15mpg.
Ive driven plenty of performance family cars and to be honest, my RS6 has ticked more boxes and tickled more of my fancy than any other i have driven. The BMW M5 is great (thought i'd say it before someone else jumps on me) and is a car to be reckoned with if you are in the market for a big family rocket. One thing that sold the RS over the M5 was the grip. The RS6 has grip in buckets and you'll struggle to trouble it in all but the toughest situations. I drove mine all round scotland at Xmas, in 6 inches+ of snow and it never missed a beat. The quattro system kept me straight and true, and even on low profile, super wide tyres the braking was far superior to the other cars on the road. I lost count of how many rear drive BM's i saw stranded on the hard shoulder or spun off at roundabouts. The M5 is very much in that league, and is very easy to put out of shape in the wet. Like i said, food for thought.
Eddie
Lostprophet said:
If you had a budget of 25-35k and were in the market for a 2nd hand motor what would you go for?
Main requirements would be great handling and performance and back seats and a boot big enough for a push-chair, camping gear too when needed. Roof racks always help in regards to camping gear...
Considerations would include depreciation and MPG. Don't want tio lose too much on either.
I am leaning towards the M3; but wanted to see if I am missing any options.
;-)
Vauxhall VXR8Main requirements would be great handling and performance and back seats and a boot big enough for a push-chair, camping gear too when needed. Roof racks always help in regards to camping gear...
Considerations would include depreciation and MPG. Don't want tio lose too much on either.
I am leaning towards the M3; but wanted to see if I am missing any options.
;-)
Edited by Lostprophet on Monday 17th May 12:08
Hang on I know its a Vauxhall, so let me try and sell it a bit more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkiZdcAR6WU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkiZdcAR6WU
Oh no hang on wait there is more.
Go on Jezzer you tell 'em
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHwulo045t0&fea...
Go on Jezzer you tell 'em
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHwulo045t0&fea...
ecain63 said:
The RS4 was a great car when it came out and definatley challenged the M3 in every way. Now they have done a few miles they have started to show some serious niggles. DRC failings - check, Gearbox issues - check, Lack of power (averaging 330 - 380 bhp instead of 400+) caused by dirty inlet - check, Issues with cracks appearing in the metal work - check . All in, its becoming a bit of a can of worms which will take time to investigate and cure.
Being biased toward Audi, and the RS6 then may i suggest the following?
For the money you have available, you could move into the 'collectors' market and bag a future classic. Just take a look at the C5 RS6 Plus. Only 70 registered in the UK and holding their price at £25k+ compared to the standard (standard? - lol) RS6 which goes for anything between £13k and £20k dependant on mileage and condition. Yes they have the DRC issues too and gearboxes are a worry, but thats a risk with all performance cars.
Good thing in the case of the RS6 is that its been worked through and is easily (but not cheaply im affraid) sorted. The DRC issue is well known on the RS6 and is easily fixed with the fitment of coilovers. For £1500 - £2k you can fix the DRC problem permanently (personally i'd find a car with the coilovers already fitted). Find a car with a warranty and the gearbox worry wont cause you any sleepless nights either. Other than that there arent too many other major niggles. Servicing isnt that cheap, but its crucial that you get it done properly. Invest in VAGCOM for your laptop and you can do some preventative maintenance and diagnostics to help keep your car running 100%. On the plus side: Boot space is massive and theres more than enough room for 5 large adults (RS4 barely seats 3 older kids in the back). The quality of the interior is excellent and the Plus will come with every extra under the sun.
The engine is sound so long as its serviced by a good garage and at the right intervals. Audi main dealers are ok, but the service you get depends on the dealer you go to (if it were me i'd avoid main dealers with anything RS or R8, but thats my opinion). The UK has 3 main independant RS specialists; Unit 20, MRC and QST, so if you dont fancy the stealership lottery then you wont go wrong as far as servicing goes and the labour rates are half of what Audi will charge. 90% of RS6 owners use either Unit 20 or MRC. Power stated is exactly what you get thanks to good design and clean running. The Plus will give you 480bhp (30bhp more than the regular RS6), plenty enough for anyone. Fuel economy is as expected with a 2 tonne, 4.2ltr twin turbo 'barge'. I average 21mpg around the locality (mixture of town and cruising). Ive averaged 31.8mpg from Poole to Glasgow @ 70mph, and in town you will see around 11 - 15mpg.
Ive driven plenty of performance family cars and to be honest, my RS6 has ticked more boxes and tickled more of my fancy than any other i have driven. The BMW M5 is great (thought i'd say it before someone else jumps on me) and is a car to be reckoned with if you are in the market for a big family rocket. One thing that sold the RS over the M5 was the grip. The RS6 has grip in buckets and you'll struggle to trouble it in all but the toughest situations. I drove mine all round scotland at Xmas, in 6 inches+ of snow and it never missed a beat. The quattro system kept me straight and true, and even on low profile, super wide tyres the braking was far superior to the other cars on the road. I lost count of how many rear drive BM's i saw stranded on the hard shoulder or spun off at roundabouts. The M5 is very much in that league, and is very easy to put out of shape in the wet. Like i said, food for thought.
Eddie
I think it's only fair to point out that Audi do offer a 5 year or 75K mile warranty on the RS4 DRC system and will replace no problem, free of charge. Also, if you really wanted to, you can also replace with coil overs on the RS4 exactly the same as the 6.Being biased toward Audi, and the RS6 then may i suggest the following?
For the money you have available, you could move into the 'collectors' market and bag a future classic. Just take a look at the C5 RS6 Plus. Only 70 registered in the UK and holding their price at £25k+ compared to the standard (standard? - lol) RS6 which goes for anything between £13k and £20k dependant on mileage and condition. Yes they have the DRC issues too and gearboxes are a worry, but thats a risk with all performance cars.
Good thing in the case of the RS6 is that its been worked through and is easily (but not cheaply im affraid) sorted. The DRC issue is well known on the RS6 and is easily fixed with the fitment of coilovers. For £1500 - £2k you can fix the DRC problem permanently (personally i'd find a car with the coilovers already fitted). Find a car with a warranty and the gearbox worry wont cause you any sleepless nights either. Other than that there arent too many other major niggles. Servicing isnt that cheap, but its crucial that you get it done properly. Invest in VAGCOM for your laptop and you can do some preventative maintenance and diagnostics to help keep your car running 100%. On the plus side: Boot space is massive and theres more than enough room for 5 large adults (RS4 barely seats 3 older kids in the back). The quality of the interior is excellent and the Plus will come with every extra under the sun.
The engine is sound so long as its serviced by a good garage and at the right intervals. Audi main dealers are ok, but the service you get depends on the dealer you go to (if it were me i'd avoid main dealers with anything RS or R8, but thats my opinion). The UK has 3 main independant RS specialists; Unit 20, MRC and QST, so if you dont fancy the stealership lottery then you wont go wrong as far as servicing goes and the labour rates are half of what Audi will charge. 90% of RS6 owners use either Unit 20 or MRC. Power stated is exactly what you get thanks to good design and clean running. The Plus will give you 480bhp (30bhp more than the regular RS6), plenty enough for anyone. Fuel economy is as expected with a 2 tonne, 4.2ltr twin turbo 'barge'. I average 21mpg around the locality (mixture of town and cruising). Ive averaged 31.8mpg from Poole to Glasgow @ 70mph, and in town you will see around 11 - 15mpg.
Ive driven plenty of performance family cars and to be honest, my RS6 has ticked more boxes and tickled more of my fancy than any other i have driven. The BMW M5 is great (thought i'd say it before someone else jumps on me) and is a car to be reckoned with if you are in the market for a big family rocket. One thing that sold the RS over the M5 was the grip. The RS6 has grip in buckets and you'll struggle to trouble it in all but the toughest situations. I drove mine all round scotland at Xmas, in 6 inches+ of snow and it never missed a beat. The quattro system kept me straight and true, and even on low profile, super wide tyres the braking was far superior to the other cars on the road. I lost count of how many rear drive BM's i saw stranded on the hard shoulder or spun off at roundabouts. The M5 is very much in that league, and is very easy to put out of shape in the wet. Like i said, food for thought.
Eddie
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